If you are wondering why fertility happens or whether you or your partner is infertile, know that you are not alone. There can be a combination of factors that prevent pregnancy, but fortunately, there are many effective therapies that can improve your chances. Many infertility cases can be treated with artificial insemination or assisted reproductive methods.
Infrequent Ovulation
One of the most common causes of female infertility is infrequent ovulation or the release of a mature egg from the ovary. It can be the result of hormonal problems or conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome, in which a woman produces excess male hormones and does not ovulate regularly. A woman’s follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormone levels need to be within certain parameters for ovulation to occur regularly.
Fallopian Tube Blockage
Fallopian tube blockage is typically a result of scarring from a pelvic infection or surgeries such as appendectomy or removal of ovarian cysts. Some women are also prone to developing growths called fibroids or polyps in the uterus, blocking the fallopian tubes or leading to infertility and miscarriages.
Ovulation Disorders
Ovulation disorders affect the release of eggs from the ovaries. Hyperprolactinemia is a condition in which a woman has too much prolactin, the hormone that stimulates breast milk production, which may interfere with ovulation. Too much thyroid hormone or too little can also affect the menstrual cycle or cause infertility. Too much exercise, eating disorders, or tumors may be underlying causes.
If you are struggling with infertility, you may be wondering what you can do. Your next steps can include the following:
See a Specialist
See a fertility specialist if you have been trying to get pregnant for a year or 6 months if you are a woman over the age of 35. The team at NCCRM specializes in fertility testing, diagnosis, and treatment of infertility conditions. Your specialist will help you decide what is best for you.
Surgery
Your doctor may suggest surgery if you have problems like endometriosis, polyps, fibroids, uterine congenital malformation, or blocked/damaged fallopian tubes.
Medication
Fertility pills help you make more follicle-stimulating hormones. You may take medication to prepare for your treatments, and your doctor may prescribe hormone-regulating medication to help your ovaries release eggs.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine Insemination is sometimes recommended for the treatment of infertility unrelated to obstructed or damaged tubes, mild to moderately severe male factor infertility, unexplained fertility, and infertility due to immunologic causes or cervical mucus abnormalities.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
During In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), medications are often used to help stimulate the development and release of a woman’s eggs. The eggs and sperm are then collected and placed in a laboratory dish to fertilize.
NCCRM
Infertility can be daunting, but knowing the possible causes and what steps you can take next helps bring you peace of mind. The North Carolina Center for Reproductive Medicine (NCCRM) is here to help. We’re experts in IVF, Tubal Ligation Reversal, Male Infertility, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), gestational surrogacy, Family Balancing, and more. Contact us today!
